Archive for July, 2013

The BP-60c is one of the best riveting tools out there, and works great whether you are using a rivet nut or a nutsert. However, to increase the tool’s longevity it is important to make sure you are using the right stroke for every job. If you have your tool set to the incorrect stroke, you could double stroke your tool which might break the mandrel.

For those of you who have some questions about how to change the stroke on the BP-60c, here is an easy to follow guide.

How to Adjust the Stroke on Your BP-60c Rivet Nut Tool

Ensure your anvil is set as close to the nose assembly as possible. In the low position, we have as many threads as possible showing. This is done by using your spanner wrench to loosen the lock nut, going to the lowest position, and putting the lock nut in place.

Find the indicators on the top of the tool; this will tell you how many millimeters of stroke your riv nut tool is set to.

Figure out what is the ideal stroke you need. (Most rivet nuts use between 1mm to 2mm of stroke.) Plug in your tool into an air source, and check the stroke.

To adjust the stroke positively or negatively, place the spanner wrench on the adjustment groove and turn to your desired stroke.

That’s it. If you remember these 4 easy steps, and take the time to make sure you have the right stroke for the job, your riveting tools will last for years to come.

Since blind rivets are meant to be permanent fixtures, they are not made to be removed, but there might come a time when an individual would like to have this done, and when that happens, they should know how to accomplish the feat. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the right tools need to be used for the job, and careful attention needs to be paid to the difference between round headed and countersunk rivets; this is because they will be removed in slightly different ways.

Grinding The Head of The Rivet

In order to begin the process of removing the blind rivets, the head of the item needs to be examined first; if the tool has a rounded head, a grinding machine can be used to slowly wear down this facet of the device. There are those who choose not to grind down the head before they start the next step of the process, but this might end up making the task a lot more difficult in the long run. In the event that the item is a countersunk device, grinding is not necessary since the head will not protrude in the same manner; in fact, this task could end up damaging the materials that are attached because the grinder will eat it these facets instead of the rivet.

Drilling Into Rivets

Once the head has been removed from the rivet, individuals can then proceed onto drilling into the shank of the item. One of the most imperative facets of this step is to ensure that the drill bit is the right size; if it is too large, it could end up damaging the material from which the rivet is supposed to be removed, and this could end up forcing the previous nut to be replaced by a much larger one. Drilling directly into the center is important; if any deviation is made to this direction, the following rivet might be impossible to install.

Remove Rest Manually

After the majority of the work has been done, the remaining facets of the rivet should be easier to remove with your hands, and it is imperative that each part of the device is carefully removed so that no facet remains behind. While rivets might have been designed to be permanent, it is common for individuals to make mistakes during the construction of a project, or to simply want to exchange an old, worn out nut with one that is new and sturdy; by getting to know how these items are removed, replacing them becomes a breeze.

It is always a good idea to invest in high quality tools whether you plan on using them often or not. Even if you use your tools occasionally for SIY work around the house, buying higher quality means they will last longer and be available when you run into an emergency. It also means they will be able to handle heavier duty tasks more effectively and make lighter work for you. Here are our top five tips on how to shop for the best riv nut tool:

1. Look at Pricing

Tools, especially those that are higher quality, can get quite expensive. You might only use it a few times, but those occasions could span a couple of years, so it is a good idea to get something that will last and that you will get better performance from. If you do it this way, you will be paying a little more so start by setting a budget and comparing prices first. If you are looking at ten years of use, paying a little extra is not so bad when you work out your return on an annual basis.

2. Get Opinions

Post questions on online forums if you can’t make your mind up between different brands and see if anyone has experience using the tools you are weighing up. Ask a salesperson who knows about different brands or someone who has worked with different models before.

3. Handle It and Test It

A heavier weight riv nut tool is a good indication of quality, so think about the force you will be applying and whether you can see it lasting for a decent period of time before you buy.

4. Consider Speed and Efficiency

If you are going to be using the tool for lots of jobs, or big jobs, it makes sense to invest in something that works quickly and efficiently. Tools that offer instant release are the quickest to use when there are lots of pieces of metal or there are bigger sheets that require greater reinforcement.

5. Think about Portability

If you are only going to be using your riv nut tool occasionally but will need to carry it around with you, a lighter weight option might be a better choice for you practically. This is especially true if you need to carry one in a tool box that is already heavy and full and where you will only be pulling the riv nut out every once in a while.

If you have been using a manual rivet nut tool for a while and are considering making the transition to an automatic tool, you might not know how much it will improve your performance, speed and accuracy when fastening sheets of metal together. Professionals and people working on heavy duty jobs will derive the most benefit from an automatic tool. Here are the five most important factors we think you should consider before making your choice:

1. Comfort and Convenience Should come First

Automatic rivet but tools usually have ergonomically designed handles to maximize comfort when using the tool. This makes it easier to use and minimizes your chances of developing blisters or calluses over the course of a few hours. It also provides an extra layer of safety, as a handle that is ergonomically designed is less likely to slip out of your grip when your hand gets sweaty.

2. Consider a Swiveling Air Inlet

This provides swift and efficient power in a safe way. It is an ideal feature for smaller rivet nuts, as it provides controlled air pressure while you are working.

3. Look at Pricing

Manual rivet nuts are usually more affordable, although someone who is less skilled may not be able to use it as easily as an automatic version. When comparing prices, make sure that you are also comparing like products and gauge what value you are getting for the money you spend.

4. Speed and Weight

If you need a rivet nut tool for work purposes and will be using it often, a faster tool will accelerate the pace of your work. Make sure it is not faster and heavier though, because they may get difficult for you to manage as the day goes on. If you are going to be using the tool for extended periods of time, a lighter weight model will be easier for you to manage. Balance the weight off against the quality, because sometimes very lightweight tools are simply not strong enough to withstand prolonged or continuous use.

5. Get Something Easy to Understand

While you want an advanced tool, something with more knobs and buttons than your computer is just going to confuse and probably be a waste of money. Let the person helping you know about your skill and experience level and make recommendations based on how much you are prepared to spend for your new tool.

We get a lot of questions from people about how to correctly change the mandrel on a riv nut tool. Changing a mandrel is easy once you know how to do it, so here is an easy guide on how to change mandrels on a BP-60 and BP-60c.

How to Change the Mandrel on a BP-60 or BP-60c Rivet Nut Tool

Find a spanner wrench and use it to loosen up the lock nut, located on the nose piece of the tool.

Remove the loosened anvil portion and the lock nut.

Slide the shepherd’s hook through the two exposed holes, pull the lock pin back, and unscrew the mandrel.

Insert the other mandrel, then pull back the lock pin towards the end, and gently wiggle the mandrel to allow the lock pin to engage. You will hear a click.

Remove the shepherd’s hook, and check to make sure the mandrel is locked.

Place the anvil back on the tool, and lock it securely.

Note: An anvil can be set to different lengths, using the lock nut, to expose how many threads required for the riveting tools you are using.

We hope you find this guide helpful, and that in the future you will be able to change your mandrels without a hitch. If you want our rivet experts to answer any other questions, send us an e-mail and we will answer it as soon as we can.

The Rivet Maven

Kerry Reed is the rivet maven of Blue Pneumatic. He can answer your questions about rivets, rivet nut tools, air and hydraulic riveters, lockbolt tools, etc. Look here for news and information about tools for riveting. Kerry's mission is to seek out and deliver the latest info on all things riveting.